“Guess what I found.” Storm raises to his full height and holds the circle of metal up. He hands it to Rebel. “Welcome to the family, brother. I hope you know we’ll expect you to change your last name to Heart.”
“Never going to happen.” I tell him as I hold my hand out for Rebel to push the ring onto my shaking finger.
“For you, Summer.” Rebel pulls me in close. “I would totally do it.”
“But Maddox men—”
“Are something else,” Dizzy, Ivy, and Kelsey say at the same time.
“Yes, we are.” Rogue smirks before he turns his attention to Ivy. “So how about we get back to Heart Ranch and what’s most important. Our wedding.”
“You do realize Summer’s a Heart, right? Jett says.
“That means the Heart Ranch is celebrating an engagement tonight,” Owen crows.
“Sorry, bro. But we’ll get you back to the center of attention by morning.” Rebel grins at Rogue.
“Yeah, yeah.” Rogue beams at his brother and winks at me. “Considering I’m the one who told you to marry that girl a hundred times, glad you’re finally doing it.”
This is perfect. I wouldn’t have wanted Rebel to propose in any other way.
44
Rogue
Ivy takes my hand while everyone hugs Summer and thumps Rebel on the back. “I have to show you something.”
It’s the quiet in her voice that makes me prickle and reminds me of how upset she sounded on the phone when she asked me to come in. Before my twin distracted us by finally proposing to Summer.
He should have had that locked down months ago. But would he listen to me when I told him he should make that woman my sister-in-law? Of course not. Stubborn ass.
He’s all ear-to-ear grins now though, so that just proves I was right. I tuck Ivy’s hand into the crook of my elbow. “Show me.”
“When the others leave,” she says as they file to the door. Rebel, Summer, and Kelsey head out first with a ‘see you back at the ranch’. They pile into the rental and drive away while the three Heart brothers volley to say goodbye to Violet.
Dizzy hangs back, waiting for us.
It seems Owen wins Violet’s attention based on stature and status. It’s probably hard to be ignored when you’re a surly bastard who towers over everyone. They share a tension laden moment with few words before he strides out. Storm winks at her and presses a kiss to her temple. Jett, not to be outdone, plants one on the other side.
“This way.” Ivy leads me into the backroom and from there down a hallway and into a thermostatically controlled cool room.
She stops abruptly, and I bump against her before my brain can process why. The roses are beautiful. Delicate. Pristine.
And familiar.
Awareness, then rage, like poison, creeps through my veins. “Nicole?”
“Yes.” She lifts her hand to her shoulder and that’s the first time I realize she’s been holding the card this whole time.
It’s creased and curved from the warmth of her hand. I open it and read the message. A pitiful attempt at a threat. A worse attempt at faking maternal concern. Nicole’s words are lava in my brain, a throbbing in my temples. “Fucking bitch.”
“Why can’t she leave me alone?” Ivy is calm as she turns to me. Her question is resigned.
“Because you beat her.” I grasp her upper arms and bring her in close. “You’re happy and she’s going to rot. Let’s just go back to the ranch. Get married. Enjoy this time with friends and family.”
“I want to—”
“Aren’t they beautiful?” Violet gushes as she joins us in the room.
